Grapevine

AFCON: Ekong, Aina, Awoniyi return for qualifiers

Awoniyi has not been called since the 1-1 draw with Lesotho in Uyo on match-day 1 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign in November last year due to injury.

The list has three goalkeepers, seven defenders, six midfielders, and seven forwards.

AFCON 2023 revelation Stanley Nwabali will be joined by Udinese’s Maduka Okoye, while former Bendel Insurance keeper Amas Obasogie, who just completed a move to Ethiopia, has also been recalled.

This year’s AFCON’s Player of the Tournament, Toost-Ekong, is joined in defence by Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Aina, and Olisah Ndah of Orlando Pirates, who make a return to the team as well.

Leicester City midfielders Wilfred Ndidi, Raphael Onyedika, Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi, Lazio’s Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi are the midfielders invited for the games.